December 2012 Bison Illustrated

Original 196 5 Bi

son Foo tbal l

He lm et

Fully Equipped.

THE BISON FOOTBALL TEAM’S EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN VITAL TO THE TEAM’S SUCCESS. WE SHOWCASE PAST AND PRESENT EQUIPMENT STARTING ON PAGE 18.

December 2012

Scan to Subscribe

Inside Front Cover

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2012 | VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3

18 EQUIPMENT ROOM

The equipment the Bison wear isn’t just for looks. Find out the purpose and what goes on in the Bison equipment room.

38 BEN WOODSIDE

We caught up with Ben Woodside to see what he’s been up to since he left NDSU.

44 DANCE, DANCE, REVOLUTION

The Bison dance team are national champs. Find out a little more about this award winning team.

52 TEAM CHEMISTRY

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It takes talent, hard work and that little something to create a successful team. The men’s basketball team has that something special.

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PHOTOS: J. ALAN PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY /BISON ILLUSTRATED/DENNIS HOFF/NDSU ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS; COVER: J. ALAN PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY

12 Conversation With Roger Kish 16 NDSU vs. SDSU Photos 40 Schedules 42 Swany V. Walker 56 Swany Says 58 Janae Burich 62 Trent Sprenkle 64 Pop Quiz 66 Bison Trivia

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

er lish Pub t.com , h c savi tligh / rago fmspo ok.com D e @ Mik il: Info facebo ted : a ted a Em cebook nillustr llustra I n Fa biso iso @B er: t t i Tw

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2 until the Team Maker subscribers receive their issue in the mail.

Let me know if you have any other comments or concerns and I will make my best effort at resolving any issues.

Now enjoy our December issue. It was a blast to put together. (Here is a list of equipment I either used when I was a punter for the Bison or would have loved to use!)

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My Kind of equipment...

TOP

GEAR

In this issue we go in depth with the Bison football team’s equipment. This is something that is so important to safety and style.

It’s amazing how it all has changed over the years. I figured that everyone would enjoy the section because I often wonder when watching other college football games or the NFL what exactly they have for equipment. We brought all of it into our studio and shot it all on a black background to give it a sleek look. Also, we found some old helmets and showcased some of the older features.

On another note, we wanted to highlight the Bison dance team. They have been reaching some huge milestones and we hope you enjoy the article and photos we did with them.

I also want to share some of the comments that I have been receiving and expand on them. 1. I am working on making the text bigger. 2. I made most of the text black instead of grey now to help visibility. 3. I have held back all magazines for delivery

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1. Michael's Helmet I watched my friend Michael wear a Bison replica helmet for his birthday.

(That’s me behind him) 2. The one bar!

I was able to kick against the legendary Scott Player when I was in New England.

He still wore the one-bar. A true classic like mustaches and boom boxes.

3. The Kicking Net This was what I hung out with during games. The first row fans know what I’m talking about.

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4. The football Pump A true necessity. No explanation needed.

5. The Hand Warmer As a punter, there tends to be a lot of down time. Why not stay warm on the sideline and store some snacks in a hand warmer?

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6. The Hang Timer 5.8 seconds. My personal best hang time.

I'm telling the truth, ok?

7. The Square Toe One of our lineman (Justin Frick) had one of these in case our kicker was injured. He was second in line.

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-DRAGO

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

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DECEMBER 2012 Bison Illustrated is a free publication distributed monthly (9 times a year).

Our mission is to help promote North Dakota State University Athletics, provide a quality and fun reading experience and improve the way of life in our community. The publication is mailed to homes across the US and has stand distribution throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.

PUBLISHER

Spotlight Media Inc.

PRESIDENT

Mike Dragosavich

EDITOR DESIGN/LAYOUT

UNIQUE STORES - NO SALES TAX ON CLOTHES AND SHOES ASSOCIATE EDITOR

www.moorheadcentermall.com Mon - Fri: 10 AM - 9 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM

phone: 218.233.6117 510 Center Avenue Moorhead

CONTRIBUTORS

WRITERS GENERAL MANAGER ADMINISTRATION

Andrew Jason Mike Dragosavich, James Ness, Andy Neidt Steph Stanislao Andrew Jason, Josh Swanson, Nick Proulx, Steph Stanislao, Matt Langamo Andrew Jason, Steph Stanislao, Josh Swanson and Steve Walker Brent Tehven Alizabeth Gaddie

MARKETING/SALES

Brent Tehven, Tracy Nicholson, Todd Graf, Jayne Bement-Miller, Tom Reinhiller, Kelsey Kuller

ONLINE CONTENT

Morgan Weidrich

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jesse Ho orelbeke of J. Alan Paul Photography (www.jalanpaul. com), Andrew Jason, Dennis Hoff and NDSU Media Relations

SPECIAL THANKS

Jeff Schwartz, Ryan Perreault and NDSU Athletic Media Relations

FOR ADVERTISING CALL 701-478-SPOT (7768) or Email info@fmspotlight.com

Bison Illustrated is published monthly by Spotlight Media Incorporated. Print quantity exceeds 15,000 per issue. Printed in the U.S.A. Bison Illustrated does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented. Bison Illustrated assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Bison Illustrated is NOT an official publication of North Dakota State University.

Send change of address information and other correspondence to: Spotlight Media Inc. 502 1st Ave N. First Floor Fargo ND, 58102 or info@fmspotlight.com

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

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FACILITIES

Turf Galore!

So if you haven’t heard already, the initial Bison’s new field turf in the FargoDome had complications. This resulted in the FargoDome simply not being able to use it. Since the dilemma, AstroTurf replaced the turf with a more compatible version and now NDSU has an extra turf laying around. So what are they doing? Well take a look at this photo of Master Construction tearing up one of the Bison’s practice fields. This is where the origional version be placed. Even with the logos still intact.

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T A S R E V N A CO Article by Stephanie Stanislao

with

Roger Kish

Photo by J. Alan Paul Photography

T o b e a c o a c h f o r a D i v i s i o n - I s p o r t, i t t a k e s d r i v e , d e d i c a t i o n a n d i n t e n s i t y. f o r NDSU’s Head Wrestling Coach Roger Kish, it takes all of these things and more. A former University of Minnesota wrestler, Kish has been surrounded by the world of wrestling for years. Kish took a moment to sit down with Bison Illustrated and shared a little bit about coaching, hobbies and handling all the pressure.

1. As a head coach of a great

wrestling program, talk a little bit about your wrestling experience.

You know coming from a pretty good program myself, at the University of Minnesota, you learn a lot of the basics and the foundation of what it takes to be both a good wrestler and competitor. Then I moved into the coaching side over there, so I got to learn a lot of the coaching philosophies and techniques from some of the best coaches in the country. It’s helped me become a more well rounded individual and coach and wrestler as well.

2. How would you describe your coaching style?

I think it starts with my recruiting. I think we recruit a lot of hard nosed, hard working kids that aren’t afraid to work hard and get tired, and do everything extra that we ask of them. I would think, that as far as a style of coaching is kind of an in your face, intense, hands on, real physical kind of coach.

3. Who has influenced you most on or off the mat, and why?

I was pretty fortunate, when I grew up, to have my father as my high school coach.

He was both my youth coach and my high

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school coach. So, both on and off the mats he really did a nice job of building the foundation for myself. Then I moved to Minnesota from Michigan, where I ran into a lot of good friends, who I learned a lot from off and on the mats.

program, and we try to find different ways to get workouts in. We use soccer or football for different workouts and we try to get in there and have some fun.

season? Any hobbies?

No, I don’t think so. Personally, I try not to think about it too much. I think that our boys can see our coaching staff when they get a little stressed out or when we’re getting a little anxious. So we try to stay relaxed and stay confident in what we’re doing as a staff. I think our confidence is kind of a foundation for our guys. If they see that we’re confident in them then they tend to be more confident in themselves. So we try not to get too worked up or nervous.

4. How do you spend the off

When you’re working with a program, we continue to do our best to keep our guys around in the summer. We host a big junior national’s tournament, we host some camps and in the summer time we try to build the sport of wrestling right here in Fargo. We keep our guys in town, getting better and training. The recruiting piece is always there too, it’s another big aspect. We’re always on the hunt for some hidden talent, and to continue to build relationships with coaches and kids.

I really enjoy trying to get out and get some fishing in. I think that’s a lot of fun for me, whether it’s on the ice or on a boat. I enjoy getting out there and getting a line wet.

5. What other sports do you enjoy?

I’m not very good at many other sports.

I think we get out, with the wrestling

6. How do you prepare before a big meet? Any superstitions?

7. What do you think your

wrestlers would say about you?

As a coach, I would probably say they’d consider me a pretty intense guy that treats wrestling like it’s the most important thing. In reality, I think they would just talk about working hard, being intense, staying after it, getting in your face and being tough on and off the wrestling mat.

That’s kind of what it comes down to.

WRESTLING

TION

Hometown: Lepeer, MI Age: 29 Years Coaching: 6

B I S O N I BL ILSO U SN T R IAL LUST T E D •R AT DE CE RE R2 02012 12 ED •M SUBMEM

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IN THE DOME

The trumpeters of the Gold Star Marching Band get the crowd excited for Bison game day.

Trevor Gebhart throws up his horns, in celebration of the Dakota Marker Victory!

NDSU

keeping the dakota marker Photos by Dennis Hoff

Brock Jensen leads a group of players to give thanks for the opportunities they have.

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The football team claims their prize…the Dakota Marker!

IN THE DOME

Thundar takes a moment to cheer from the stands.

November 10 marked the eighth battle for the border with the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. Very little blue could be seen among the color-coordinated sections of green and gold that filled the Fargodome. Fans brought everY ounce of Bison pride they had to cheer the NDSU Football team to victory, and the always energized Dome was an even more electrifying place to experience a quality FCS football game.

The Bison defeated SDSU with a score of 20-17 and SEcured the Marker in Fargo for another year.

Running back Sam Ojuri runs in the football for a Bison touchdown.

LeeVon Perry wraps-up on SDSU’s ball carrier.

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EQUIPMENT

Fully

Equipped B

Photos by J. Alan Paul

ESIDES BEING ONE OF THE BEST FOOTBALL TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY, THE BISON FOOTBALL TEAM IS ALSO ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING. FROM HEAD-TO-TOE, EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM IS DRESSED IN STYLE. WHETHER THEY ARE WEARING THE GREEN, YELLOW OR WHITE UNIFORMS, THESE GUYS ARE ALWAYS LOOKING GOOD. NDSU WORKS WITH NIKE TO GET THE LATEST EQUIPMENT. SOME HELP COMES FROMCOACH BOHL, A LITTLE HELP FROM THE FOOTBALL TEAM, AND THE MAN THAT GETS IT ALL IN GEAR, BRIAN GORDON, THE DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES. GORDON SAT DOWN WITH BISON ILLUSTRATED AND GAVE US THE LOWDOWN ON THE AUTHENTIC BISON FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT.

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EQUIPMENT

The Helmet Room Helmets only have a five year warranty on them, and a lifetime of 10 years.

However, NDSU likes to limit the life cycle of a helmet to five years, if the helmet is being used. This is to ensure that the helmets are in good working condition.

Brian Gordon Brian and his team work diligently on preparing the equipment for the football team throughout the year.

The CLEATS The NDSU Equipment Department orders eight different styles of Nike shoes and cleats.

The Helmet Collection In college football, it is tradition for opposing teams to trade helmets after playing one another. These helmets are displayed in the Equipment Room.

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EQUIPMENT

the Shoulder Pads 20-30 shoulder pads are ordered for a typical season. A shoulder pad can generally last around three years, but some players will outgrow their pads during their time on the team, and that could also result in them needing a new pair of shoulder pads.

The Laundry Room The NDSU Equipment room is also home to the laundry facilities. This room houses several industrial washers and dryers, which can wash and dry the entire teams uniforms in around two hours.

1991Victory Playoffs Footballs After a big Bison win, a commemorative game ball is made and then showcased in the Equipment Room at the FargoDome.

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

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EQUIPMENT

1965 This football helmet is one of the oldest helmets that the NDSU Equipment Department still has on hand. This particular helmet has about an inch of padding inside of it, which was safer than the earlier helmets that were just composed of leather.

1988 This next helmet has quite a bit more padding to it, and the design of the padding is very different from the previous helmet. Inside, the padding is separated into different foam sections, rather than just one large piece of padding lining it. A popular style of helmet that was used in between both of these helmets was a helmet that had a suspension system in it.

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EQUIPMENT

1999 In this helmet from the 1990’s, air became a big part of the fitting process. It helps fit to the player’s head better, allowing you to increase or decrease the air to make it a perfect match to your head size.

2012 This final helmet is similar in design to the previous helmet, however the padding has again been increased and changed to work to eliminate head injury in the sport of football. This helmet has some gel padding inside of it, where as the other did not.

When looking at how this particular helmet compares to the first helmet shown, it is much safer to utilize than that of the earlier padded helmets.

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B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

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EQUIPMENT

Nike VAPOR ELITE CLEATS The 12-cleat configuration uses technology focusing on optimal fit and friction to get the most speed out of every step. Each season players are issued a pair of practice cleats and game cleats.

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EQUIPMENT

Nike Wrist Coach The Nike wrist coach is used as a wearable cheat sheet for players and coaches. About a dozen of these are ordered for the football season, and they are worn by each of the quarterbacks and a few of the coaches.

NIKE FOOTBALL TOWEL The Bison order 24 of these towels for a season. These towels are used for not only quarterbacks, but also for receivers, running backs, line backers and a couple of defensive backs.

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

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EQUIPMENT

The Jersey Each season a set of fill-in jerseys are ordered, however new jerseys are not ordered every year. After the season, seniors are able to keep one jersey, and the style of jersey that they get to keep is determined by the equipment and coaching staff. They are allowed to purchase the others if they so choose, based on what each senior chooses to do, plus the number changes, NDSU orders anywhere between 20 and 30 fill-in jerseys a season.

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE NDSU BISON!

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EQUIPMENT

The Pants The number of pants that are ordered by the equipment department come as a set, and 120 pairs of pants are ordered of each color for the season. Right now, the team has two different colors of pants – green and gold.

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ONCE A BISON...

ALWAYS A BISON

STEVE WALKER My one reason?

To provide hope for people in need.

FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE

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EQUIPMENT

Nike Dry-Fit Bicep Band

Nike Football Gloves The NDSU Equipment Department orders between 300-350 pair of gloves each season.

NIKE Dry Fit Shirt The Dri-FIT fabric helps keep the players dry and comfortable by wicking sweat away from the skin to the fabric’s surface, where it quickly evaporates. Over 100 of these dry-fit shirts are ordered for every season.

Nike Pro-Combat Compression Shorts These shorts are designed to shield the player’s body from big hits and hard falls while keeping them comfortable. NDSU orders around 275 of these compression shorts for a season, since each player has a pair for practice and a pair for games.

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The Bison order around 75 of these bands, which are worn mainly by wide receivers, defensive backs and running backs. Although they do not serve a practical purpose anymore, they are just one more thing that keeps the Bison looking sharp.

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EQUIPMENT

Wilson Football The bison use the Wilson GST football. It is the preferred ball of over 180 NCAA programs and 26 high school football state associations. Also it is the official game ball of the NCAA playoffs. This eliminates having to switch to a different brand of football once the playoffs begin. They order 72 footballs each season.

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Tailgating With Soy

Preparation

Taco Burgers

Ingredients

3/4 cup beef broth OR 3/4 cup water plus 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed

1 cup texturized vegetable protein (TVP) 1/4 cup cooked or canned black soybeans, divided

1/4 cup chopped onion 3 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 tablespoons corn meal 1 packet (1 1/4 ounces) taco

For Tacos

seasoning mix

Omit one 1 egg and the flour.

2 eggs 2 to 3 tablespoons soy oil

Recipes and Photos Courtesy of The Soyfoods Council

In a medium sauce pan over high heat, heat beef broth or water and bouillon cube just to boiling.

Add TVP and let stand 3 minutes.

In medium bowl, mash half the beans with a fork. Add remaining beans, onion, flour, corn meal and seasoning mix. Add eggs and mix well. Form into 4 patties. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until firmed and browned on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and brown second side. Serve on buns with favorite burger toppings.

Learn more at:

www.ndsoybean.org

In large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil; heat. Add onions, stir and cook until tender. In medium bowl, add TVP, beans, 1 egg, corn meal and taco seasoning, mix well.

Add to onions; stir until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Serve in tortillas or taco shells with favorite taco toppings.

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EQUIPMENT

The Shoulder Pads The Bison are known for big hits, this would not be possible with out the help from their Riddell shoulder pads. NDSU orders about 20-30 new sets of pads a year. The average life cycle is about five years of heavy use. Players often change out their shoulder pads every two years because they have grown out of them not because they wore out, in most cases.

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B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Ben Woodside

is one man that will go down as a great in Bison basketball history. Playing for NDSU’s Basketball Program from 2004-2009, Woodside lead the Bison in scoring and had over 1,000 career points for the green and gold squad. Woodside’s career after Fargo is far from done, as this hoopster is continuing to put up shots overseas as a professional baller. Bison Illustrated caught up with Woodside to see how his time as a Bison shaped the man and player he is today.

NDSU’S OWN TRAVELER world

with

BEN WOODSIDE Interview by Steph Stanislao

You have continued on with your basketball career after NDSU, can you talk about the teams you have played on since your days in Fargo?

I have played for four different teams since my days in Fargo. I played two years in France with the team Gravelines. Last year, I played on two different teams. One team was Union Olympia from Slovenia and the other team was Armia from Republic of Georgia. This year, I am currently playing for the team TED Kolejliler in Turkey. Each team has brought my wife and I wonderful new experiences, many laughs and many memories that we will cherish.

What has been the biggest challenge to living overseas?

Ever since day one, living in Europe hasn’t really exposed huge challenges.

I have adapted pretty well to the European life and I enjoy it. If I would have to choose one thing, I would say being away from family and friends for such a long period of time. Even with that said, nowa-days technology makes it extremely easy to stay in touch with people on a regular basis.

What is the funniest thing that has happened while being overseas?

There are so many funny memories both on and off the court it is hard to choose between one or the other. On the court I would have to say when I played in Georgia we were getting ready to play a big game. We are all in the locker room getting fired up for the game and hearing the coach’s speech. When we start running out on the floor our assistant coach is standing there giving us high-fives blowing cigarette smoke in our faces as we run by. I was thinking to myself, “this is a great way to get your players

ready for a game?!” All I could do is laugh about it after the game. Off the court, there are many situations where the communication barrier is a factor.

One time after practice I was extremely hungry and my wife and I went out to a nice cafe to get some lunch. I looked on the menu and saw “American Fillet.” Seeing the word American got me excited and I decided to order what I thought was a big, juicy, fresh cut steak. To my surprise the waitress brings out what looks like raw ground hamburger that you buy from the grocery store with a little salt and pepper added on top. I literally couldn’t believe my eyes. We have joked and laughed about that story quite often. Those are two stories off the top of my head that were pretty funny. Again, I have stories that I could tell for days about our European adventures.

Being so far from home, how do you keep in touch with your friends and family?

I keep in touch with family and friends via Skype, FaceTime, Facebook, Twitter, email and VoIP Phone. As I stated earlier, with technology being the way it is today, it is extremely easy to keep in touch with people back home as long as you have an internet connection. That is one of the first things I make sure to have when arriving at a new team.

When you are not on the court, how do you spend your free time?

To name a few things I do: I spend my free time with my amazing wife adventuring out and seeing tourists spots in whatever country we’re located (Eiffel Tower in Paris, Lake Bled in Slovenia, Drove to Italy while in Slovenia, Black Sea while in Republic of Georgia). It is also fun trying new cuisine at the new places we visit. At a smaller level, we check out quite a few movies that are in English at the local movie theater. We try many different restaurants during our 10 month stay. Those are a few of the activities we do in our free time.

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SCHEDULES

winter SCHEDULES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Nov 01 Nov 05 Nov 09 Nov 11 Nov 13 Nov 17

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

WRESTLING

Nov 02 Alumni Dual (Exhibition) 6:30 p.m.

Nov 10 Bison Open 10 a.m.

Nov 16 Boise State 7 p.m.

Nov 24 Bison Quad 1 p.m.

Nov 30 - Dec 01 at Las Vegas Invitational All Day Dec 09 Oregon State 2 p.m.

Dec 16 at Iowa State 2 p.m.

Dec 29 - Dec 30 at Midlands Championships All Day Jan 11 - Jan 12 at Virginia Duals All Day Jan 19 at Missouri 6:30 p.m.

Jan 25 at Air Force * 8 p.m.

Jan 27 at Wyoming * 3 p.m.

Feb 03 Northern Iowa * 2 p.m.

Feb 08 Utah Valley * 7 p.m.

Feb 10 Northern Colorado * 2 p.m.

Feb 15 at Souh Dakota State * 7 p.m.

Mar 09 at NCAA West Regional All Day Mar 21 - Mar 23 at NCAA Championships All Day

Dec 8 Dakota Duals TBA Jan 12 Bison Classic TBA Jan 18 - 19 Jack Johnson Classic TBA Jan 26 South Dakota Invitational TBA Jan 26 Bill Bergan Invitational TBA Feb 1 - 2 Thundering Herd Classic TBA Feb 8 - 9 Iowa State Classic TBA Feb 9 Bison Open TBA Feb 15 - 16 Snowshoe Open TBA Feb 24 - 25 Summit League Championships TBA Mar 2 Iowa State Last Chance TBA Mar 8 - 9 NCAA Indoor Championships TBA Mar 14 - 16 Aztec Invitational TBA Mar 22 - 23 Arizona State Invitational TBA Mar 29 - 30 Stanford Invitational TBA Apr 5 - 6 Sun Angel Classic TBA Apr 05 Mesa Classic TBA Apr 12 - 13 Team Nodak Decathlon TBA Apr 13 Dakota Duals (UND, Mary) TBA Apr 17 - 18 California Invitational TBA Apr 18 - 20 Mt. SAC Relays TBA Apr 19 Bryan Clay Invitational TBA Apr 20 Beach Invitational TBA Apr 24 - 27 Drake Relays TBA May 3 NDSU Tune-Up Meet TBA May 9 - 11 Summit League Championships TBA May 23 - 25 NCAA West Preliminary Rounds TBA Jun 5 - 8 NCAA Outdoor Championships TBA Jun 19 - 23 USATF Outdoor Championships TBA

Minnesota-Crookston (Exhibition) 5 p.m.

MSUM (Exhibition) 7 p.m.

Harvard 5 p.m.

Mayville State 2 p.m. at Boise State 8 p.m.

Northern Iowa 3 p.m.

Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout Nov 20 at Alaska-Anchorage 11 p.m.

Nov 21 Prairie View A&M or Utah State TBA Nov 30 Dec 02 Dec 06 Dec 07 Dec 16 Dec 18 Dec 23 Dec 30 Jan 03 Jan 05 Jan 10 Jan 12 Jan 17 Jan 19 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 02 Feb 07 Feb 09 Feb 14 Feb 16 Feb 23 Mar 02

North Dakota at Northern Colorado Drake Dickinson State at Creighton at Green Bay Milwaukee at South Dakota State * South Dakota * Kansas City * at Fort Wayne Oakland * (Rochester, Mich) IUPUI * Western Illinois * at Omaha * at Kansas City * at South Dakota * Oakland * Fort Wayne * at Western Illinois * at IUPUI * Omaha * South Dakota State *

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Mar 09 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Summit League Championship Quarterfinals at Sioux Falls Quarterfinals at Sioux Falls Semifinals at Sioux Falls Final at Sioux Falls

TBA TBA TBA TBA

visit gobison.com for a complete list of schedules and results

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Dec 8 Dakota Duals TBA Jan 12 Bison Classic TBA Jan 18 - 19 Jack Johnson Classic TBA Jan 26 Bill Bergan Invitational TBA Jan 26 South Dakota Invitational TBA Feb 1 - 2 Thundering Herd Classic TBA Feb 8 - 9 Iowa State Classic TBA Feb 9 Bison Open TBA Feb 15 - 16 Parents’ Day Open TBA Feb 24 -25 Summit League Championships TBA Mar 2 Iowa State Last Chance TBA Mar 8 - 9 NCAA Indoor Championships TBA Mar 14 - 16 Aztec Invitational TBA Mar 22 - 23 Arizona State Invitational TBA Mar 29 -30 Stanford Invitational TBA Apr 5 Mesa Classic TBA Apr 5 - 6 Sun Angel Classic TBA Apr 12 -13 Team Nodak Heptathlon TBA Apr 13 Dakota Duals (UND, Mary) TBA Apr 17 - 18 California Invitational/Mt. SAC Multis TBA Apr 18 - 20 Mt. SAC Relays TBA Apr 19 Bryan Clay Invitational TBA Apr 20 Beach Invitational TBA Apr 24 - 27 Drake Relays TBA May 3 NDSU Tune-Up Meet TBA May 9 - 11 Summit League Championships TBA May 23 - 25 NCAA West Preliminary Rounds TBA Jun 5 - 8 NCAA Outdoor Championships TBA Jun 19 -23 USATF Outdoor Championships TBA

MEN’S BASKETBALL Nov 01 Nov 03 Nov 09

Concordia (Exhibition) MSUM (Exhibition) Valley City State

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North Dakota 4 p.m. at Minnesota 8 p.m. at Towson 6 p.m.

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South Dakota State * 7 p.m. at South Dakota * 7 p.m. at Kansas City * 5:15 p.m.

Fort Wayne * 7 p.m.

Oakland * 4 p.m. at IUPUI * 6 p.m. at Western Illinois * 7 p.m. at South Dakota State * 4 p.m.

Kansas City * 7 p.m.

South Dakota * 7 p.m. at Oakland * 6 p.m. at Fort Wayne * 6 p.m.

Western Illinois * 7 p.m.

IUPUI * 7 p.m.

Feb 23

ESPN BracketBusters at TBA *

Feb 26 Mar 02

Utah Valley at Omaha *

Mar 09 Mar 10 Mar 11 Mar 12

Summit League Championship Quarterfinals at Sioux Falls, S.D. TBA Quarterfinals at Sioux Falls, S.D. TBA Semifinals at Sioux Falls, S.D. TBA Final at Sioux Falls, S.D. TBA

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DEBATE

Y N A SW uring ports. D s s w o n anson k s the Josh Sw NDSU, he wa dent at stu his time or of NDSU’s ,” and m dit sports e r, “The Spectru r Bison fo pe newspa onthly column ays.”

S m writes a called “Swany ed Illustrat

VS

QUESTION 1

Sw any : Wh i ch ever si d e h a s Ma rcu s Wi l l i a m s! I s th er e

a n yt h i n g t h a t g u y ca n ’t d o o n a f o o t b a l l f i el d ? He’s d eservi n g o f t h e B u ck B u ch a n a n Aw a rd , h a n ds down . To a n sw er t h e q u est i o n , t h i s w o u l d b e a n i n t erestin g match u p . E a ch p o si t i o n , f ro m l ef t g u a rd t o t h e S A M ( S tr on g) l i n eb a ck er, i s so sp eci a l i zed . O u r g a m e p l a n is pr edicated o n ea ch g u y d o i n g h i s a ssi g n m en t so m u ch so th at it wou ld b e ch a o s i f o u r o ff en se a n d d ef en se sw i t ch ed r oles . You h ear o u r co a ch es t a l k i n g a b o u t a ssi g n m en t f o o t b a ll, an d S teve t a l k i n g a b o u t ex ecu t i n g , a l l t h e t i m e. T h at’s exactly wh at t h ey’ re t a l k i n g a b o u t .

QUESTION 2 Sw any : W hile our fans c e r tainly he lp and c r e ate a n at m osphere c onduc iv e to s uc c e s s , the play e r s fe e d off e ac h other. They pl ay for e ac h othe r. The y play for e v e r y one that’s e v e r been part of the pr ogr am. We all s uppor t and be lie v e in this team . But , has alw ay s be e n the c as e w ith B is on F ootball, it c omes down t o the guy s in that loc ke r r oom, to the br othe r hood. They’ d run thr ough a br ic k w all for e ac h othe r if the y ne e de d t o, l i t eral l y.

I f y ou think the y ne e d any e xtr a motiv ation, y ou’re crazy!

QUESTION 3 Sw any : I f the r e ’s one w or d that s ums up this team , i t ’s pr ofe s s ional and bus ine s s like . O kay, that’s tw o words, but this te am know s how to handle its bus ine s s . That ’s a tr ade mar k of a C r aig B ohl c oac he d football te a m . From top to bottom, fr om c oac h to the s tude nt manag ers, t hi s te am has w iths tood and liv e d up to the pr e s s ur es t hey’ ve fac e d this s e as on. The y ’v e done s o w ith c las s , h ave done s o in the fac e of adv e r s ity, and ar e pois e d to do great things in D e c e mbe r and Januar y.

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B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

S

DEBATE

WAL K

ER

Steve W al from 20 ker was the sta rti 04 The Spo to 2007. Duri ng quarterback ng rt fo named s Network Wal his time, he w r the Bison, to the A as a fina ter Payt ll-T on lis is the co lor anal ime Great We award, was rec t for s yst duri KFGO ng footb t Football Team ently Radio. all gam es this y and ear for

If the Bison defense and the Bison offense switched roles for the day, who would have more success?

Walker: If t hi s w e re to h a p p e n th e o n ly tea m th a t w ould hav e success w o ul d b e t he o p p o s itio n . Bo th s c h e me ’s o n the offe ns iv e a n d defe nsi v e si d e s o f th e b a ll a r e ve r y ela b o r a te that r e quir e A LO T of p ra c t i c e a nd s tu d y. A th letic is m ca n ta k e you s o far, but with ou t a si ng l e p ra c t ice th is w o u ld g et u g ly q u ic k.

Who gets the team the most riled up, their fellow teammates, coaches or fans?

Walker: Onl y t ho se t h a t a r e in th e lo c k er r o o m in flue nc e this team. A s p l a y e rs y o u h ea r w h a t fa n s h a v e to s a y, b ut the y ar e not part o f t he “ f a m i ly ” in th e lo c k er r o o m a n d th os e opinions d o n ot m a t t e r. B o t h p l a ye r s a n d c o a c h e s mo tiv a te thr oughout a seas on , a nd b o t h ha v e in flu e n c e d e p en d in g o n th e s ituation. B ut wh en a t e a m m a t e t e l l s y o u s o meth in g (w h eth e r g ood or bad) that seems to c a rry m o re w eig h t th a n h e a r in g it fr o m a c oac h.

After working hard for the past few months, how is the team handling themselves?

Walker: A c o l l e g e f o o tb a ll s e a s o n is v e r y lo n g a n d c halle nging b oth as p l a y e rs a nd co a c h e s . To th is p o in t, b o th t he offe ns e and d efen se ha v e f a c e d so me a d ve r s ity a n d h a ve h a n dle d the ms e lv e s very we l l . T he c o a c hin g s ta ff o n b o th s id es o f th e ball hav e s how n that the y c a n m a k e a d ju s tmen ts we e k to w ee k a n d s e r ie s to s e r ie s , a nd ar e g o i ng t o c o ntin u e to s tr ive to p u t to g eth e r the be s t game p lan s po ssi b l e . P hy si c a l mis ta k e s a r e g o in g to h a ppe n in this game a nd can b e f o rg i v e n if th ey a r e co r r ec te d , it is th e me ntal mis take s a t th is p o i nt o f t he se a s o n th a t a r e n o t a c c e p ta b le. I t is good to s e e there h a v e n’t b e e n m a n y men ta l mis ta k e s .

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

43

SPIRIT

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B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

DA

SPIRIT

...

By: Steph Stanislao Photography by : J. Alan Paul

You’ve seen them kickin’ it on the sidelines at home football games, and performing at halftime during basketball season, but the Bison Dance Team does much more than just that. This dedicated group of women practice for countless hours in order to reach their goal of winning a national championship every January. These girls aren’t just on the sidelines looking pretty, but are rather hardcore athletes that manage to bridge athleticism and beauty.

ANCE, B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

45

... ... ... ...

a

...and five, six, seven, eight…the Bison Dance Team is not only always on count, but they’re always on top. In the last four years, the dance team has placed in the top five in six different events and placed sixth with their jazz and hip hop routines in 2010 at the Universal Dance Association National Competition.

Last season, while the men of the Bison Football Team were busy winning a FCS National

46

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

Championship, the ladies of the Bison Dance Team were doing their part in representing NDSU as well. The dance team won a national title for their clean, sharp and creative pom routine and are hoping to do the same this season.

For the UDA (Universal Dance Association) competition this January, the Bison Dance Team will be performing a jazz routine, which the squad has been doing for ten

years and, because of the success the team saw last year, will be competing with a new pom routine.

The team began working on preparations for this competition season all the way back in June. In July, the team held one and two-a-day practices so that they would be ready to attend UDA camp in August. Following camp the girls had a total of two weeks off before heading into a long season of daily practices.

The team typically meets for practice six days a week and generally practices are in the early morning hours, often times breaking a sweat before 6 a.m.

Team members usually get to the Bison Sports Arena anywhere from 15-45 minutes prior to the start of practice to warm themselves up and are ready to begin conditioning by 6 a.m. After the team’s coach, Meghan Wabner,

... ... ...

is finished running conditioning, the girls stretch and work on technique.

The remainder of practice time is used to work on drills and clean up dances that are performed during football games.

Besides having a regular practice schedule, the team also has full days of learning choreography.

The team hires out choreographers for

their national routines and has been working with two well known choreographers that are associated with the University of Minnesota.

Although they have a very steady practice regimen for the majority of their season, as the national competition nears, the workload and intensity of practice increases. Starting Dec. 26 until New Years, the team will be together practicing everyday in

the Twin Cities area.

After New Years the team returns to Fargo, where they will practice for 10 hours a day, until the new semester starts.

The team will continue to practice for long hours, before and after busy class schedules, and will finally make their way to the College Cheer and Dance National Championship at Walt Disney World Resort on Jan. 18.

SPIRIT

DANCERS from left to right: Ashley Gerdes- West Fargo, N.D. Emily Vrchota- Edina, Minn.

Katelin Madsen (Standing)- Draper, Utah Megan Supan- Anoka, Minn.

Sarae Olson- Fargo, N.D. Hillary Ehlen- West Fargo, N.D. Emma Palm (captain)- Brainerd, Minn.

Emily Sumpmann (captain)- Maple Grove, Minn.

Caroline Bohn- Eden Prairie, Minn.

Jordan Reznecheck- West Fargo, N.D. Elizabeth Kossan- West Fargo, N.D. Courtney Wabner- St. Cloud, Minn.

Janelle Amacher- St. Paul, Minn.

Maren Lack- Minnetonka, Minn.

Kalynne Malmskog- Moorhead, Minn.

DANCE, B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

47

3

number one All the 16 girls on the team are gorgeous, they’re fun to look at and they do a very nice job at the football games engaging the crowd.

But, they are the most dedicated and talented athletes at practice.

They kill themselves day-in and day-out. They do anything and everything that is expected of them. That’s what I want most people to know. If you watched these girls work, you would assume that they were part of a different sport. You would never assume that they would be dancers.” —Head Coach Meghan Wabner

Things to Know About the BDT

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REVOLU B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

SPIRIT

number two “A lot of people take dance so lightly. We work really hard and we push ourselves. Other sports, when we’re warming up, think we’re getting punished because we’re sprinting and working hard (laughs).We don’t take it lightly, because we dance for barely four minutes when it comes down to it. Leading up to the end of our season, we spend extra hours sweating and bleeding.” — Co-Captain Emily Sumpmann

Number Three “We truly do love our school. We’re a little obsessed. We obsess over other teams as well.

Other teams do show their respect for us, but we really do respect and admire all the other teams because they do work terribly hard. There’s a mutual respect that a lot of outsiders don’t get to see.” — Co-Captain Emily Sumpmann

UTION. B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

49

COMING UP...

Game Y

Day

with the marketing team.

ou’ve seen the lights, the camera and the action at the FargoDome on Bison game day, but have you seen the people that make it all happen? The NDSU Marketing team, along with the help of 50 FargoDome employees, ensure that each and every minute of a Bison football game runs smoothly. Whether it is playing some of the fan’s favorite tunes, handing out promotional materials at tailgating or making sure that the band, cheer and dance teams are on cue, the NDSU Athletics Marketing “machine” is always on their toes and making the Bison game day experience happen.

Game-day Schedule:

9:00 a.m.: Set up the helmet and helmet lights.

Put up marketing table at East Entrance of the FargoDome.

Set up signage in Thunder Alley.

Roll t-shirts for t-shirt toss.

Get cheer and dance teams mini-footballs and t-shirts for in-game promotions.

Set up ladders for Yell Leaders, and hang up false start counter.

11:00 a.m.: Walk through tailgates. Hand-out promotional materials and sell raffle tickets.

Staff corporate tailgating area.

8 Marketing Interns

1 Graduate Assistant

50

1:07 p.m.: Gates open.

Check-out big heads to student section.

1:37 p.m.: Pregame warm-ups.

2:17 p.m.: Teams must leave the field.

2:19 p.m.: Band intro video.

2:20 p.m.: Gold Star Marching Band takes the field.

2:27 p.m.: On Bison! (Band) 2:28 p.m.: Intro Video (Lights out at 9:10 left on the clock) 2:29 p.m.: Tunnel walk.

2:30 p.m.: Football “Senior Day” recognition.

2:32 p.m.: National Anthem (Band) 2:33 p.m.: Junior Bison- “Kid of the Game” (Thundar Escorts) 2:34 p.m.: Coin Toss/MVFC Handshake 2:37 p.m.: Kick-off Take down football helmet.

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

1 Director of Marketing

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BASKETBALL

Nate Zastrow

Taylor Braun

Special Story by: Steph Stanislao Interview by: Kelsey Kuller Photos by: Andrew Jason

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B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

Mike Felt

BASKETBALL

l Bond Chemistry on the court for any basketball team is important, but to have such a bond on the court it needs to start off the basketball floor.

The Bison Men’s Basketball team has been able to form meaningful relationships outside of shooting hoops and it has definitely translated into the way that they play…making them that much more successful. Taylor Braun, Mike Felt and Nate Zastrow took a break from practice to share about the team’s bonding time.

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

53

BASKETBALL

The guys on their team dynamic: Zastrow: I just think we are all pretty close outside of basketball. We hang out whether it’s hanging out at the dining center or just hanging out on the weekends. We are pretty close in that aspect; [it] kinda feels like we’re brothers.

Felt: I think it’s fun to go and work out with the team because we have a good time together and get along well. We just joke around a lot. It makes it better to go to practice and to lift and stuff.

54

The guys on bonding time: Braun: We go to each other’s houses on holidays.

We travel across the country with each other, we go on vacations together. We do so many things together outside of just basketball in Fargo. One of our goals is to have a team bonding activity once a week. We have video game tournaments, we play NBA video games or we have a pool tournament.

The Guys On who has the biggest “bromance:” Braun: Nate and Brett

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

VandenBergh. Brett is pretty much attached at the hip to Nathan. They have sleep overs.

Zastrow: He gets a little lost with some stuff and asks a lot of questions. He’s a freshman.

The Guys On the funniest thing to happen on a team bonding night: Zastrow: Brett likes to do the splits to show how flexible he is. It is very eyeopening that a guy can do something like that. First time I saw it, I laughed pretty hard.

The Guys On pulling team pranks: Marshall Bjorklund put a “ticket” on Chris Kading’s car. The parking people like to put tickets on cars for 30-minute parking, even if you’re there for less than that. Marshall pranked Chris and put a sheet of notebook paper on Chris’s car so it looked like he got a ticket.

So, Chris was all paranoid and went running out there. Because the parking lady was out there looking at the cars and Chris saw something on his car, so he

“

“Bromance” went running out there and there was no ticket!

The Guys On the best nickname: Braun: Dexter Werner. He got the nickname from his appearance. We call him Wide-Body-Dex (WBD).

The Guys On the team"s theme song: Zastrow: The Jon Cena

entrance music. It’s kind of a joke, but we play it pretty loud, when we play pickup games in the BSA. Then some people put it on repeat. It’s pretty corny; it’s nothing serious.

The Guys On the team “jokester:” Felt: Dexter. He likes to crack jokes.

Braun: I guess you could say

he tries to be funny. It’s more funny because he’s trying to be funny.

The Guys On the team’s “dream” location for bonding: Felt: Somewhere warm.

Braun: The NCAA tournament site at the end of this year in March, it would be fun place to bond.

The guys On balancing serious time and fun time: Felt: We are very serious when it comes to basketball.

Zastrow: I’d say we have a pretty loose locker room before the game. We know what we have to do when we get on the court.

Braun: We know when to be serious and when to be funny.

... ...

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

55

SWANY SAYS

GOING ALL IN: I’LL SEE YOU IN FRISCO

BY JOSHUA A. SWANSON

W

ant a prediction?

You want a bold, in your face p re d i c t i o n from the master of bold, in your face predictions? Here it is. The Bison will repeat as national champions.

Place your bets, plan a few days off from work, and book your plane tickets and hotels, if you haven’t already. On January 5, 2013, the Herd will capture our tenth national championship – one ring for each finger – and folks from the Frisco Chamber of Commerce will be singing “Hail the Bison” all the way to the bank.

How confident am I? I’ve started growing a playoff beard, the “Frisco Beard,” that will not meet the shiny blades of my Mach 3 until the Bison hoist another trophy into the Texas sky that first Saturday in January. This in itself should be interesting (and/ or comical) as I’ve never attempted growing a beard. No matter. But if my facial hair isn’t enough to do it for you, let’s really put some skin in the game. I’m placing this wager with all my willing kelly green and white coworkers foolish enough to pick against the Bison.

If, and when, the Bison win, they have to wear Bison gear to work for an entire day, a weekday. Most preferably during a full firm meeting.

If the Bison don’t repeat, I’ll return the favor and wear University of North Dakota gear for an entire day.

Although wearing kelly green and white may, in all likelihood, cause me to spontaneously combust, I’m willing to make this deal. I know what you’re thinking. Swanson finally lost it, lost his damned mind, went off the deep end without a lifejacket. Why risk a photo that will undoubtedly follow me around for life? A photo that could end up in the pages of this magazine, and worse, will most definitely be plastered all over my office?

56

I’ll tell you why. Because when you commit to something, you go all in. It’s that simple. There’s no hedging, no half-measures, no escape hatch.

You’re either all in, or you’re entirely out. You step onto that limb without a safety harness, completely exposed, and say, “Hey, I believe in this!” There’s no alternative. That’s the level of commitment required for doing anything worthwhile – including winning a championship.

The risk of falling hard is worth the reward of reaching the mountaintop.

Now, for me to risk wearing kelly green and white might not sound like much to you. After all, it’s only clothing, right? To paraphrase Lee Corso, not so fast! It’s a big freaking deal. For those who know me, they’ll tell you this is anathema to everything I grew up believing, everything I stand for. Heck, Ma Swany might not let me into the house for Christmas. Seriously, no joke. This is said with no disrespect to my friends from the north. I proudly teach at the law school there and work with, and know, many fine folks that fly the kelly green. But I’d rather give money to Karl Rove, listen to Rush Limbaugh and vote for Michele Bachmann than wear UND apparel.

I’m a man of my word. There will be no backing out, no excuses.

After all, we’ve got it in writing, so we’re legally bound, right?

I’m fully prepared to live with the consequences of this column.

Fortunately, I won’t have to. Like I said, on the evening of January 5, after the national championship game, after storming the field, after high fiving and hugging everyone in sight, but before hitting the downtown Frisco Marriot lobby, I’ll shave my playoff beard while wearing a brand spanking new championship t-shirt. Then I’ll text my coworkers who took this bet and get their sizes for the Bison gear they’ll have to wear. And while we’re at it,

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

let’s throw in some final terms and conditions. Not only does the loser have to wear the other school’s colors, they have to fly the other school’s flag in their office … for an entire week.

This shouldn’t be misconstrued as overconfidence. It shouldn’t be misinterpreted as me saying the road will be easy. It won’t. The road to a championship, or anything worth having for that matter,

is never easy. In fact, it’s incredibly hard. But when you commit to something, you go all in. It’s that simple.

I believe in our team! I believe in our coaches and our players! I believe the frenzied denizens in the Fargodome will rise to the occasion! I believe that when the dust settles, we will be champions. I’ll see you in Frisco. The march is on!

Josh Swanson writes columns and articles for BisonIllustrated. com and Bison Illustrated magazine. He enjoys reader feedback and can be reached via: swany@bisonillustrated.com.

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58

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

Photo by Andrew Jason

If you think that you could make a shot with Senior Janae Burich in front of you, you’re greatly mistaken.

With a 6' 5'' stature and stellar defensive skills, Burich managed to lead the Summit League in blocked shots during the 2010-2011 season. Burich also scored an outstanding 27 points during the 2011 season opener against New Mexico State. When she’'s not blocking shots or putting up her own, Burich is busy being a student and volunteering.

BURICH

JANAE

ATHLETE PROFILE

You’re studying both marketing and psychology, what do you plan to do with your degree?

I always planned on just doing marketing. I didn’t really know what to do, so I just went the business route. Marketing seemed interesting and then I really think psychology is interesting, so I was planning on just minoring in it, but a lot of my classes overlapped. So, I only needed four more classes to major in psychology.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I’m not really sure who said it, but ‘life is about doing what you love, with who you love.’ I always try to live by that in everything I do, with all my heart.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball, probably since I was like three or four, when my parents gave me a basketball to play with. Otherwise, on an actual team, since third grade.

Are there any other sports you enjoy watching?

I really like watching volleyball. I love going to the volleyball games. I played a bit in high school, so I think that’s really fun…just the atmosphere and the energy of it. Football I can usually last about a half, I usually lose interest (laughs). But, our team is pretty good, so it’s fun. I like it better when I know the people out there, and know the people playing, so I really like watching all the sports here. On T.V., I’m not as big of a watcher. I like watching the Lynx and the WNBA sometimes, but other than that not much.

What is the best way to get you pumped up before a big game?

It always starts out with a good meal. I love having some good food. Then talking to the team and just getting excited, and having a positive energy.

And then, my pump up song for every game is ’I’ll Make a Man Out of You,’ from Mulan. It’s been my pump up song since like seventh grade, so it’s tradition. So I have to jam out to that and just think about the game. I get really excited about what I can do and what we need to do to win.

If you could face off with any member of the men' ’s basketball team in a game of one-on-one, who would it be, and why?

I’d probably have to take on Tray Vonn for a dunking contest, because he’s an amazing dunker and I just want to show him what’s up…what I can do (laughs)!

BI >>> JB >>>

BI >>> JB >>> BI >>> JB >>>

BI >>> JB >>>

BI >>> JB >>>

BI >>> JB >>>

ATHLETE PROFILE

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

59

SPOT THE SIX

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B I S O N I L L U S T R AT E D • DECEMBER

2 012

It’s off and on. I like school, I like learning and I like the subject a lot. Sometimes I’m not a huge fan of it, but I think that’s everybody at some point or another.

What do you want to do with your degree?

TS >>> BI >>> TS >>>

How has wrestling been going, and how did last year go for you?

It has been going really well. Last year I made it to the round of 12 nationals. I lost some matches I wish I had won, but overall the year went really well. This year we’ve had a tournament already and I won there.

What did you do differently in preparation for this year?

This year I’m going to try to stay motivated with wrestling. It’s a battle; it’s a grind. You have to make sure you’re more mentally prepared for each match, so this year I’m going to put more effort into doing that.

What do you do in your off time, if you have any?

Well I’m married and I have two children, so I spend my time with my wife and kids as much as I possibly can. My oldest is a little over two, and my other little girl is turning a year old in a couple days. They keep me pretty busy.

BI >>> TS>>> BI >>> TS>>> BI >>> TS>>>

I’d like to go into research and eventually work at a research university or facility.

How does school treat you?

BI >>>

SPRENKLE

TRENT

ATHLETE PROFILE

Photo by Nick Proulx

I’m a big fan of three artists: Jim Croce, Billy Joel and Jack Johnson.

What do you have on your iPod?

At this point I view myself as a teacher. I make sure I teach the young guys, and after practice I’ll grab some of them and show them some of the things I’ve learned over the years. If I ever see that one of them is down, I’ll go over and let them know that we’ve all been through it — that sort of thing.

How do you approach being one of the older guys on the team?

Well I hope they would say I’m a nice guy. I hope they would see me as more relaxed, that I try to help them enjoy the experience. We have a lot of guys, including the coaches, who are making sure we push ourselves really hard. I try to be the guy who tries to be an example still but brings a likability to it, so that we still enjoy it.

What would the others guys on the team say about you?

Trent Sprenkle knows a thing or two about winning, and was a huge part of the success the NDSU Men’s Wrestling Team saw last season. Sprenkle secured a spot at the NCAA Championships, where he went 3-2. Sprenkle stays busy being a student, athlete and family man. Bison Illustrated sat down with Sprenkle to learn more about the man off the mat.

BI >>> BJ >>>

BI >>> BJ >>>

BI >>> BJ >>>

No. I’m not a superstitious person. I usually say a prayer before my matches, but otherwise I’m either prepared or I’m not.

How about superstitions?

BI >>> BJ >>>

Not really. I just do the usual warm-up — I probably should get a routine [laughs]. I just warm up, and I think about what I’m going to do in my match. I try to get a full wrestling match in before I go out there.

Do you have a pre-match ritual?

TS >>>

BI >>>

ATHLETE PROFILE

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

63

POP CULTURE

F

POP QUIZ O

OTBALL

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? MIKE HARDIE

BA S W

TBALL

HANNAH LINZ

How I got my nickname Fred.

A couple of days, probably.

I don’t think I have any.

Blue.

If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret!

One day.

Singing/ Dancing.

Blue.

Umm?????

Forever, I am not hooked on it.

Soccer.

Green.

I don’t keep secrets.

Probably about a week.

After her battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma, Linz came back on to the court and played more powerfully than ever, during the 2011 season. Linz average 6.1 points per game, and had a career-high 17 points, when the Bison matched up against Oral Roberts in 2011.

RE

STLING STEVEN MONK

BA S

Monk, who wrestles in the 165 weight class, led the Bison Wrestling Team last season.

Monk also qualified for the NCAA Championships and had 36 wins on the season.

64

KE

TBALL

MARSHALL BJORKLUND Bjorklund helped lead the men’s basketball team to a successful 2011 season. Bjorklund averaged 11.6 points, was the third leading scorer for the Bison and ranked eighth overall in the Summit League for rebounds.

B I S O N I L L U S T R A T E D • DE C E M BE R 2 012

WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT?

Blue.

Part of the infamous Bison Defense, Hardie is shining through as a defensive end this season. During the 2011 season, Hardie had a total 3 solo tackles in the game versus Saint Francis.

KE

WHAT IS YOUR BEST KEPT SECRET?

HOW LONG COULD YOU GO WITHOUT USING YOUR PHONE?

Play piano. I took 7 years of lessons.

N BI SO Going to the Lake for the 4th of July.

New Zealand.

Playing Carbles at Christmas with my family, and enjoying delicious food together :)

Hawaii, to see the beautiful ocean and enjoy the hot weather on the beach.

Anything with food.

Anywhere outside the U.S., since I have never left the country.

Going to my grandparents house and eating swedish meatballs.

O

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

G

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION?

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a. 23 b. 37 c. 44

2 3

T r u e o r F a l s e : T h e at t e n d a n c e at t h e B i s o n F o o t b a l l g a m e versus Kansas is the largest c r o w d t h e t e a m h a s p l ay e d i n front of on the road.

Which Bison Men’s Basketball Team holds the school record for 284 3-pointers made in a single season?

a. 2008-2009 b. 2002-2003 c. 1995-1996

4 5

W h at a r e t h e m o s t c a r e e r w i n s t h at a n i n d i v i d u a l wrestler has ever had?

7

a. 155 b. 121 c. 131 Prior to this season, how many times did the Bison Volleyball Team qualify for the NCAA tournament?

a. 2 b. 3 c. 4

6

T r u e o r F a l s e : Tay l o r Braun led the Bison Men’s Basketball Team in points during last month’s exhibition game against MSU-Moorhead, with 19 points.

Bucky Maughan was the head wrestling coach at N D S U f o r h o w m a n y years?

9

a. 39 b. 46 c. 43

8

Which former Bison Women’s Basketball p l ay e r h o l d s t h e r e c o r d for the most points scored during a game?

a. Lori Roufs b. Kasey Morlock c. Janice Woods

Donna Palivec, former Bison Volleyball Coach, has the record for most wins, with how many “W’s?”

a. 308 b. 298 c. 324

10

True or False: Lance Berwald was drafted by the L.A. Lakers in 1984, as a 5th round draft pick.

Answers: 1.C 2.False-it is the fourth, with 48,417 in attendance.

3.B 4. A-Bill Langlais holds this record. 5.B 6.True 7.B 8.A 9..C 10.True

1

N D S U ’ s D i r e c t o r o f At h l e t i c M e d i a R e l at i o n s J e f f S c h w a r t z has won how many College S p o r t s I n f o r m at i o n D i r e c t o r s o f A m e r i c a p u b l i c at i o n awards?

NO MATTER HOW YOU SAY IT, THE BISON ROCK. AND WE KNOW WHAT ROCKS.

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